My Photography Style

Journey in Light: The Foundations of My Style

Photography isn't just my profession; it's been my life's passion for over 50 years – a journey that began when I was just 15, back in 1980. That's a long time to refine a vision, to develop your own way of "drawing" images with light and shadow, much like a painter develops their unique brushstroke and color palette.

My apprenticeship years in the 1980s were characterised by the traditions of the craft. Like many professional photographers at the time, I started my journey with the good old Hasselblad 500 - classic studio work in a small business. But the development of the Polaroid instant camera allowed me to live my own adventures - away from weddings and passport photos. Later I switched to 35mm - initially with the Canon F1, which was replaced by the Nikon F4 in the early 90s.

It was a rebellious time in photography – the 1980s. Artists like Mark Corman and Richard Pierce embodied this spirit, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. And then there was Helmut Newton, the German photographer, whose powerful and sophisticated vision left an indelible mark on fashion and portrait photography - and on my own developing style. And Peter Lindbergh. Newton's studio glamour was sharp, powerful, and provocative, defined by staged scenes, exploring power and sexuality with cool detachment; Lindbergh, conversely, favored soft, natural, and authentic portraits, celebrating inner beauty and warm empathy.

And it is in this very contrast – between Newton's sharp power and Lindbergh's naturalism – that my unique style finds its foundation.

The iconic fashion photography of the 1980s defined an era. But innovation never sleeps. LED lighting, with its cool versatility and vibrant color potential, has redefined the modern studio.

My photography thrives in this dialogue between eras. I work in the rich contrast – from the bold, graphic beauty of black and white to the immersive worlds of vibrant color, often exploring palettes of red and gold. By merging classic and cutting-edge techniques, I aim to capture a timeless yet undeniably modern beauty in every frame.

The Elements of my style

1. Storytelling: At the heart of every great portrait is a story waiting to be told. I strive to go beyond surface appearances and capture the essence of the individual, hinting at their journey, their personality, their inner world. Every element in the frame, from expression to setting, contributes to this unfolding narrative.

2. Capturing Beauty: Beauty, in all its forms, is a powerful language. My lens seeks to find and celebrate beauty in each subject, not just in a conventional sense, but in the unique and captivating way it manifests in every individual. This involves an eye for aesthetics, composition, and light, all working in harmony to create visually compelling images.

3. Focus on Natural Posing: I believe the most compelling portraits arise from authenticity. Rather than forced or artificial poses, I guide my subjects into natural and comfortable stances that reveal their genuine character and allow their personality to shine through. The goal is to capture you, not a posed figure.

4. Focus on Being Different: Standing out in a visually saturated world requires a willingness to be different, to break from the norm, and to offer a unique perspective. This element in 'Refined Rebellion' is about pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with unconventional approaches, and crafting images that are truly distinctive and memorable.